Sciatica - how to cope?

[LisaSimpsonsbff]

I'm 27+3, and for the past few days what was an occasional twinge has turned into a fairly severe and frequent pain in my buttock, spreading into my lower back and my thigh when I put weight on it. After a fairly scary incident yesterday where I got up from my desk at work and couldn't walk for about 10 minutes, I got a GP appointment for this morning and she said it sounded like sciatic nerve pain and referred me to the physio. However, what she couldn't really do is answer my questions about what to do in the meantime, so I thought I'd ask other sufferers! It seems to be worst when I stand up after sitting for a long time, so should I be trying to keep moving regularly? Or should I be resting it as frequently as possible? I'm working from home today, but can't do that forever! Any other tips for how to continue to function?!

Also, is this because I'm too heavy? I was slightly overweight when I got pregnant (BMI of 25.5) and have put on a stone and three pounds since - I haven't been too fussed as I figure I'm eating ok and because I'm tall the weight doesn't look like so much extra on me so I reasoned that my body was doing what it wanted to do - but will cut down on what I'm eating if this is a sign that my body's under pressure from the extra weight!

Poor you! Use an ice pack on the very base of your spine on the affected side for 15-20 mins every couple of hours. Try to keep moving as much as possible. Gentle stretches like lying on your back and hugging your knees towards you can help-also yoga child pose. Both a little tricky when pregnant! See how you get on... Sometimes sciatic pain can be caused by tight muscles in the buttock so self-massage with a foam roller or tennis ball can give relief.

If you are able to self-find treatment a Chiro/osteopath/physio May be able to help more quickly than nhs-practitioners often ‘specialise’ in managing pregnant patients.

Hope that helps!

*self-fund

Swimming in a warm water pool is very good for you, it relaxes the muscles and removes a lot of the weight. When you’re in the pool try to walk sideways like a crab just very slowly. It’ll help release some of the muscles and is like intense physiotherapist. It’s lilely to be the baby’s position so baby could move and release it.
Disclaimer - not medical but have had the same when pregnant.

I know your pain!!!! Just been told the exact same thing by my gp this morning.
Going to try and book private physio appointment as she told me it was possible baby would be here by the time I get seen on nhs.... I’m 29 weeks today.
I was told it’s due to extra weight of baby putting pressure on pelvis and hormones making all ligaments etc much more flexible. I’m only small so wouldn’t think it’s to do with eating habits.
Gp recommended ice or heat packs depending on what makes you feel better, also second gentle stretches and foam roller.... I’m hoping they help until I manage to see someone!!!
Let’s hope we get sorted soon!! Roll on July

I had this, it did go eventually but came back for a bit post birth too. Its horrid. I did swim most evenings which seems to help and try not to sit still for too long, seemed to make mine much worse. Had advice from doc to try to keep active as much as poss. Don’t think it’s anything to do with weight as I’m quite small. It think it’s just as you’re stretching and growing things get a bit stuck but hopefully it will soon release for you.

I have the same, it’s very painful and there’s no let up. My midwife suggested I get a support band which I’m looking into. It’s really making life’s quite difficult. Walking is agony and putting my toddler in his bed, well that’s another story 😬

Thank you for all the advice - much appreciated! I'll definitely try going for a swim, and good to hear that my instinct to keep moving frequently is the right one. Sorry to all those also suffering! My GP was quite (though perhaps too) optimistic that I'd get a physio appointment quickly, as she said I'd be prioritised as a pregnant woman.

Have you tried a TENS machine? I wore one and even managed to go camping at 32 weeks!!
Borrowed for free off mw.

My BMI was below 18 when I started suffering so it certainly isn't a weight thing.

Do you have a TENS machine? I find mine helps, plus regular pain killers (get GP advise on this), google stretches to do as well and do 2-3 times a day. I find that the limping causes me to pull rib muscles so be aware of that too.

I've suffered on and off for 5 years and off, I think it's worse than childbirth!

Definitely isn’t your weight so don’t worry! My BMI was 20ish at my booking (22-23 normally but I was very sick) appointment, I’m still only a kilo over my pre pregnancy weight and I started getting it at 16 weeks!

Mine was worst when I was standing in one position for long periods of time, particularly at work. I started seeing a PT who has the relevant antenatal qualifications a few weeks ago and as my sickness has eased, I’ve been doing a bit more exercise and it has improved massively. I’m still wearing a support belt for long shifts at work but on the whole I’m doing much better. I would definitely recommend stretching, foam rolling and to keep moving! Even if it’s just some gentle walking!

I’m 32w and last week had very similar sounding symptoms. I saw a physio who said it was a strained/inflamed piriformis muscle. She gave my bum a veryyyy painful but super effective massage and showed me some exercises to do - it cleared up within just a few days. Have a google and you’ll find some stretches that should help. I also found a hot water bottle provided some temporary relief, as did a float around the swimming pool.

I’ve been suffering in and off for weeks. I’ve found a local pregnancy yoga class that has helped with lots of lovely stretches